Is it a pair of Nike shoes, a Schwinn, or a star ship? 

I am in the same pair of kicks!

LMK how the Texas market is relative to here when you go, as I'll be looking to invest in the mainland when I grow a pair and become ready to buy properties sight unseen.

& I am skilled in property management ands am lucky to be paired with someone from maintenance for 30 years.

Just like a pair of pliers is used differently by plumbers, electricians, and other trades people - same principle, different application for vastly different goals.As you're learning about 1031s come from the approach of your goals.  

When I go to networking events, I dress in clean, comfortable clothing—usually a pair of joggers and a clean t-shirt—bonus points if your shirt has your branding on it.

I just bought my mom a $1,200 pair of earrings for mothers day.

So when you pair the fact that there are no standards of ethical conduct that wholesalers must abide by, they have no oversight and the fact that it's pretty much the wild west with these people going out and trying to rip as much equity as they can from a deal and it's not hard to see why people are against brokering without a license.

If it’s okay I’d like to invite another pair of friends that also just started in the investing locally, and are also contractors if that’s okay.

If they don't have one, you can buy used in our market for under $150 a pair, so not a deal breaker for qualified tenants.